With the increasing trends of chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky, individuals, families, and communities need tools and strategies to support healthy and active lifestyle choices. 1/5 of Barren County residents report being in poor-fair health (County Health Rankings and Roadmaps 2017); 16% of Barren County Adults have diabetes and almost half (45%) have hypertension (Kentucky Health Facts). The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent set out to reach diverse audiences to help combat chronic disease and obesity in Barren County and Kentucky communities using Plate It Up Kentucky Proud aids and resources. 

Plate it Up Kentucky Proud is a partnership project between the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Nutrition and Food Science Students, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This project provides healthy, great-tasting recipes using Kentucky Proud products for Kentucky’s consumers. Consumers are educated on proper purchasing, preparation, and preservation of Kentucky-grown and value-added commodities through marketing and educational collaborations across various media outlets and/or via a seasonal recipe club. Resources including recipe cards are available for individuals who may be interested in planning meals around seasonal recipes.

“Entertainment” education was provided through discussion and recipe demonstration on the WBKO Farm and Home morning segment and the agent-produced Family Lifestyles show (Proclaim Broadcasting- WPBM). The agent created social media content that was also used to educate informally through statewide social media channels; content campaigns included “What’s in Season Now?” “In Season Now,” and Produce infographics and caricatures featuring produce season, storage, and preparation information.  Plate It Up Kentucky Proud recipes were disseminated at a local farmers market during the summer (2020) via a seasonal recipe club (2021) and social media channels. Other program efforts including the Barren County Brown Bag program and the SoKY Market Guide 2021 also included PIUKP info and recipes.

Thousands of Kentuckians across the state were introduced to the PIUKP program through numerous media channels. Folks were and will continue to be informed of locally grown commodities' availability and nutritional value through these diverse efforts. 29 Barren County residents completed an initial survey and enrolled in the recurring mailout recipe club program.